Election for youngsters

Young people will be able to stand for election and vote for the first time under plans to create a Youth Council in Herefordshire.

Forty candidates from all over the county, aged between 11 – 18, are being sought to stand for election onto the new body, which aims to give young people a say on local issues.
 
Voting will be decided by text and the election will be held between March 6 – 10. A text number will be released nearer the election.

The county will be split into eight geographical areas: Hereford North, Hereford South, Bromyard, Ledbury, Ross, Kington/Weobley, Leominster/Wigmore and the Golden Valley.

Candidates will stand in each area and the top 20 with the most votes will be elected to the new Youth Council.

A road show promoting the elections has already been launched and Herefordshire Council’s Youth Service mobile bus is currently on a whistle-stop tour of secondary schools in a bid to raise awareness and attract candidates for the election.

A series of special half-day events, called ‘Making Your Mark’ days, are also planned across the eight areas throughout half-term in February. These are aimed at young people who are interested in standing as a candidate.

During these events youngsters will receive help on how to draft their own manifestos before they hit the campaign trail.

All manifestos will then be published as leaflets, sent across the county and young people will be able to text vote for their favourite candidate.

Amy Lunt, Herefordshire Council’s Youth involvement Worker, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people interested in making a difference to have their voice heard.

“No previous experience is needed, just energy, ideas, commitment to the cause and the willingness to listen to, and represent, other young people.

“The aim of the Youth Council is to ensure that young people are involved in influencing decisions and getting their voices heard by service providers and anyone with an interest in the views and needs of young people.”

Potential candidates who cannot attend their chosen Making Your Mark day can apply to become a candidate by submitting in writing an application to Amy Lunt, at Herefordshire Council, by February 8.

Making Your Mark Days will be held at the following locations and dates from 12.30pm onwards:

· Ross and surrounds at the Royal Hotel, Ross, Tuesday 14th Feb.
· Kington/Weobley and surrounds at the Kington Youth Centre, Tuesday 14th Feb.
· Hereford City North and surrounds at TGS on Wednesday 15th Feb.
· Hereford City South and surrounds at the Three Counties Hotel Wednesday 15th Feb.
· Bromyard and surrounds at the Bromyard Centre, Wednesday 15th Feb.
· Leominster/Wigmore and surrounds at the Talbot Hotel, Leominster on Thursday 16th Feb.
· Golden Valley and surrounds at Peterchurch Community Hall on Thursday 16th Feb.
· Ledbury and surrounds at the Market Hall Ledbury, Friday 17th Feb.

The Youth Service mobile bus will visit:

· Bishops Monday 16th  Jan 1pm - 2.25pm.
· Kingstone Wed 18th Jan 1.15pm - 2pm.
· St Mary’s Friday 20th  12.35pm -1.35pm.
· Leominster PRU Monday 23rd  12.15pm.
· Leominster Minster Tuesday 24th  12pm.
· Whitecross High Thursday 26th  1pm - 1.40pm.
· John Kyrle Monday 30th Jan 12.20pm - 1.20pm.
· Hereford Sixth Form Jan 31 lunchtime.
· Haywood Wed Feb 1 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
· Fairfield Thursday Feb 2 12.30pm.
· High Town Feb 4 10am – 2pm.
· Wigmore (to be confirmed).

For more details on the election, how to register and Making Your Mark days, visit http://www.herefordshireyouthcouncil.co.uk/  or contact Amy Lunt on: (01432) 383008.

Herefordshire Council is committed to forming a Youth Council to engage youngsters in the local democratic process.